Senator Specter Testifies on Importance of Nuclear Safety

At Congressional Hearing Following Peach Bottom Security Lapse

February 28, 2008 - Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) today testified at a congressional hearing on nuclear plant safety held by the Energy and Public Works Committee Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety. The hearing was held at the request of Senators Specter and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) after recent security lapses at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power station in York County, PA.

Senator Specter’s testimony is below:

I would ask consent that my full statement be made a part of the record, and I will summarize it in a brief way.

I think there is no doubt that we need to develop nuclear energy in America because of the great problems associated with the dependence on foreign oil. The issues about safety, I think, are in pretty good shape as long as people stay awake.

I recall the days very vividly back in 1979, March 28th when there was the Three-Mile Island incident in Pennsylvania. There was really a lot of worry that day. I was in Philadelphia at the time and reports were being given as to how long it would take the air to come back in a contaminated form and what the risks were. I think we are a long way from that, with that kind of a mechanical breakdown or Chernobyl, but I think we need to look to nuclear.

Also, in the context on the issues of global warming which we’re talking about, legislation has been proposed to this committee. Senator Lieberman, Senator Warner, Senator Bingaman and I have proposed legislation. Nuclear has a lot to offer because it is clean, so that it would ease up on our problems with global warming as well. We have problems in Yucca Mountain which we have not solved and waste matters have to be taken care of. But there’s nothing as fundamental as safety.

I have made it important to visit the facilities in my state - and I couldn’t make the last one because we were at a Republican Convention in Harrisburg at the same time and we had to endorse a presidential nominee. But what happened at Peach Bottom is inexcusable, inexcusable. That is especially problemsome, not only because of the inherent dangers in nuclear, but because of the terrorism factor. That’s a prime target in a prime location.

I commend the Chairman and others, Senator Casey, for focusing attention on the issue. We can’t emphasize too strongly the importance of adding to the security operation. Especially when you have a professional organization and the issue in the area where the guards were located was very bad and they have to stay awake. That is an issue not only for the contractor but for the principal.

We are dealing here with matters that are so serious that they are really in the non-delegable category. The law makes a sharp distinction depending on the nature of the danger as to what can be delegated. These are really non-delegable items.

My distinguished colleague, Senator Casey, has taken the lead on legislation which I expect to join him on, and I am very glad to see this committee very much on top of this issue.

Thank you very much Mr. Chairman.

Source: Senator Arlen Specter